What is the best age to get pregnant?

Most medical professionals would emphasize the age related risk in pregnancy. The risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities particularly Downs syndrome increases sharply when maternal age is over 35. Also there is an increased risk of infertility, miscarriages, fibroids, gestational diabetes mellitus and labour problems with the mothers age.

However there have been reported cases of successful healthy pregnancies of women over 35 years. It is however better to be aware of the risks associated with age.

What are the medicines that will help before and during pregnancy?

Preconceptional folic acid is one of the most significant medications given during the preconceptional period. It is a well known fact that it reduces the risk of neural tube defects (spinal cord problems). All women should take at least 400mcg/day during the time period trying to become pregnant and in the first 3 months prior to conception.

Folate can be supplemented by diet with food such as fortified cereals, green vegetables.

It is also important to make sure you have received vaccinations that could avoid complications during pregnancy, such as rubella vaccination. However you must wait for 3 months of taking the vaccine and use proper family planning methods.

How will body weight affect getting pregnant?

Maintaining the ideal body weight is important and advice should be given with regard the adverse effects associated with increased or decreased weight (BMI>35Kgm2). Achieving the ideal body weight reduces the risk of preterm delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus, caesarean delivery, hypertention and thoromboembolic disease. It should be stressed that it is more likely to promote conception.

What should I eat to improve fertility?

A Well balanced diet consists of an adequate amount of carbohydrate, fat, protein, mineral, vitamins, trace elements, fibre, and antioxidants is good to prevent pregnancy induced hypertension. Unsaturated fatty acid such as DHA to enhance fetus brain development. So food containing DHA is recommended.

Are there special exercises I should follow?

It is important to exercise to maintain both physical and mental well being. Exercising is important to maintain a healthy weight that will benefit pregnancy.

While excessive exercise can cause damage to the muscles, it is important to keep in mind that one must do the correct exercises to reach best results.Avoid damage to the back and joints by always remember to warm up before any form of exercise.Always remember to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

Are there any illness that can affect pregnancy?

If you are suffering from an illness that has cause you to take regular medication you need to discuss this with your doctor. It is important to assess the condition you are having and to make sure you mention your doctor that you are either trying to get pregnant or that you are pregnant before taking any type of drug.

Some serious illnesses that need to be considered if getting pregnant:

  • Hypertenstion
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Epileptics
  • Prosthetic heart valves

Unfortunately there are certain illnesses that are too risky for pregnancy. If you have any of the following illnesses you are putting yourself at risk as it is not recommended that you get pregnant if you have any of the following;

  • Primary Pulmanary Hypertension
  • Eisenmonger Syndrome